The History of Sports Betting: A Look at the Lowest Over/Under Games
In the world of sports betting, the recorded history is somewhat incomplete. However, we can consult record books for the past 40 years to gain some insights. Interestingly, only two games have recorded an over/under of less than 29. These games were the Bears vs. Lions and Colts vs. Patriots, both of which took place on December 26, 1993. The fact that these two games occurred on the same day is quite remarkable and was even celebrated on its 30th anniversary.
Today’s game in Foxborough, Mass., is facing a winter storm warning with heavy snowfall expected. The weather conditions, combined with two teams boasting top defenses, make this game somewhat meaningless. However, it may be significant as it could potentially be Bill Belichick’s last game as the head coach of the Patriots. Draft pick positioning is one of the few things at stake in this game.
Interestingly, no players in this game made the Dane Martinez rundown of contract incentives for Week 18. However, according to CBS, Ezekiel Elliott has the opportunity to earn $375,000 with 252 total yards. Jake Ciely’s top 80 receivers for this game only include four players. Austin Mock has set the over/under at 30, while BetMGM had it at 29 (with the Patriots as slight favorites) just 90 minutes before kickoff.
If you’re wondering which way to go with the descending points total, StatMuse provides an interesting insight. According to their data, all three games with a win total under 30 since 1993 have gone over.
In conclusion, the history of sports betting may not be fully documented, but we can still analyze past records to gain valuable insights. The Bears vs. Lions and Colts vs. Patriots games on December 26, 1993, stand out as the only two games with an over/under of less than 29. As for today’s game in Foxborough, the winter storm warning and top defenses make it an intriguing matchup. Whether you’re a bettor or simply a fan, keep an eye on the points total and consider the historical trends when making your predictions.
(Top photo: Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)